Umkomaas River – Josephine’s Bridge to Riverside
Umkomaas River – Josephine’s Bridge to Riverside · kwazulu-natal
Grade
III
Length
36km
Duration
3 to 4 hours in a K1
Type
pool drop
About
A 36km pool-drop section normally paddled on day two of the Umkomaas marathon (3–4 hours in a K1). One of the easier Umkomaas runs, with open rapids that can still hide the odd surprise. A campsite on St Elmo's farm, just before halfway on the right bank, serves as an access point and draws spectators during the race. Below it the rapids become trickier but remain manageable. About 2km before Riverside, two closely spaced rapids named Captain Honks have a notorious reputation but are not severe. Riverside Store is easy to miss; first-timers should scout it by road beforehand. Although no major rapids feature, the scenery makes the trip worthwhile. Like the section above, this is a popular rafting run.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
None
Commercial operators
- Duma Manzi
- Umko Whitewater Rafting